Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-01-14
ASSOCIATED PRESS DISPATCHES
THE EXECUTION OF CLUYERIUs.

THE EXECUTION OF CLUYERIUS.
RICHMOND, Jan. 1.-THE Governor, up
aud preparations for the execution, which
was TO take place about 1880, were pro
ceeded with, and in few minutes every.
thing was in readiness at the jail
At 1888 it was announced that Cluyerius
would be hanged within the next hour, as
there was DO hope of the Governor interior
ing. Ten thousand people were around the
Jail and about two hundred and fifty inside.
1t was at one time supposed there would
be still further delay in the execution, SIS
clothier came to the Jail at 1915 with
black suit of clothes and proceeded to try
them on the condemned man. If the cloth
ing had not fit another suit would have
been brought, which would, of course, have
DELAYED matters At 1880 p. m. Mr.. Bever-
w Crump returned to the Jail from his last
visit to the Governor and announced that
the Governor refused to interfere, and at
eight minutes past one o'clock Cluverius
was taken from the Jail to the gard and
hanged. He died without any confession,
and, speaking through DR.. Hatcher, his
minister, said that in this moment of death,
nearing the grave, he had no feeling of i'll
will towards any man on earth. He died
by strangulation.
DETAILS OF THE EXECUTION.
As early as 8 o. NJ people began to gather
in the vicinity of the jail, and by noon every
approach to that place was packed with
human beings. House tops and hill sides
near the jail from which sight into the jail
yard could be had were also crowded. Adj
mission to the jail was had only through
tickets issued by City Sergeant Smith, who,
though chary in giving them out, admitted
over two hundred persons.
The prisoner passed asleepless night,most
of the time being spent with Beverly
Crump, one Of his counsel, who has done
everything to save or extend his life, and
who remained with him till two a. M, and
from that hour until o'clock Cluverius was
engaged in prayer and at intervals in sing
ing hymns; from O'Clock until he slept
soundly and then arose and ate his break
fast of tenderloin beef steak mushrooms and
egg omcette. Shortly after noon, Crump,
who had been to see the Governor, returned
to jail and announced that the Executive
power would not be interposed.
Rev. DR.. VIM. c. Hatcher came to the
Jail about II o'clock and remained with the
prisoner to the last, administering religious
consolation and praying with him. Att
a new suit OF black clothes was brought 70
the Jail and the prisoner donned them. At
two minutes to one o'clock the death pro.
cession was formed, consisting Of Sergeant
Smith, two deputies, Rev. DR.. Hatcher
and the prisoner, the latter having his
hands tied in front and his body from
the neck to the ankles enveloped in
an old fashioned lady's waterproof cloak.
From The cell the march progressed along
the corridor ard down two flights Of stairs
to the lower court of the Jail and then into
the yard fronting the cells of the white pris-
oners Forty policemen were on duty to
keep back the crowd The prisoner,
though thin and pale, moved with
steady steps to the scafold, which
he ascended in the same quiet
manner and stood On the trap. Sergeant
Smith then read the death warrant or
copy of the judgment Of the court, which
the prisoner listened to with bowed head
and apparent close attention. When the
Sergeant bad concluded he asked the DOOM
ed man if be had anything to say, and Gu
verus replied, mo sir nothing at ALL his
voice being scarcely audible.
DR.. Hatcher then knelt and offered feel
ing and fervent prayer, and when he had
finished he turned to the prisoner, who said
few words in low tone, and DR.. Hatcher,
turning to the crowd in the yard, said: Il
am requested by the prisoner to utter one
word for him and that is, that in this mo-
ment of death he carries to the grave no
feeling Of i'll will towards any man on earth.
DIR. Hatcher then left the scaffold, and
raising both hands as be went out he said,
"The prisoner asserted his innocence to
the last" Just before leaving the cell,
when DR.. Hatcher had gone, Deputy Ser
geant Allen tied the prisoners knees tightly
together, put the rope around his neck and
adjusted the black cap and hood. Every,
thing being ready, Sergeant Smith
gave the signal and at eight minutes
after one o'clock the trap was sprung Therewas
sudden swish, clsng of the falling trap door
and the next instant the body of Cluverius was at
the end of the rope over ten feet below where he
had been standing. The rope, which was made of
parti-colored silk, stretched over foot, and the
toes of the hanged man nearly touched the brick
pavement be. cath. minute of quiet ensue6, and
then there was considerable struggling on the pal,
of the dying man. lasting several minutes, togeth-
or with heavy stentoriOus breathing, indicating